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“ Over time , many manual activities have been replaced by mechanical equipment , with hydraulics making mechanical systems much smaller and more flexible ,” Robert recalls . “ When electronic control was introduced to refine the use of hydraulic systems , it sparked a decades-long evolution . Starting as simple relay logic , electronic control evolved to programmable logic controllers , then to large , centralized computers , and finally to the distributed network systems we currently use .

Improving customer operations

“ Today , the drive for improved efficiency , reduced emissions , and avoidance of hydraulic

Over the last 20 years , Harsco has rapidly accelerated its growth around the globe

fluid has increased the focus on utilizing electrical energy directly through electric actuators and motors ,” he continues . “ There is also an emphasis on systems that allow machines to operate fully autonomously using vision systems and artificial intelligence ( AI ) to recognize track features and perform specific tasks .”

Harsco is automating several steps in the railway maintenance process . It has deployed integrated cameras and vision systems , for instance , to develop intelligence so machines can operate independently or with minor supervision . “ Automation alleviates many of the back-breaking , tedious manual jobs that once existed for railway workers ,” states Robert .

MACHINING FABRICATION GAUGE & FIXTURE

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